Burkina Faso: Security forces disperse anti-lockdown protest in Bobo-Dioulasso May 30

Event

Police used tear gas to disperse a demonstration in the southwestern city of Bobo-Dioulasso on Saturday, May 30. Hundreds of people, many on motorbikes, had gathered near Place Tiefo Amoro in the city center and planned to proceed to the Hauts-Bassins regional administrative office to call for the lifting of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. However, police blocked the rally near its starting point and fired several rounds of tear gas, forcing the protesters to disperse. There were no immediate reports of any injuries or arrests.

There is a realistic possibility of further anti-lockdown protests in Bobo-Dioulasso and other areas in the near term.

Advice

Those in Burkina Faso are advised to avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings due to the risk of exposure to potential crowd disturbances, incidental violence, and police crowd dispersal operations. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of vigilance and heed any directives issued by local authorities or their home governments.